中國的元宵節的由來 The history of Lantern Festival

The history of Lantern Festival

According to the Chinese tradition，at the very beginning of a new year，when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky，there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out.

根據中國的傳統，新年伊始，當空中出現一輪明亮的圓月時，成千的彩燈就會被懸掛出來。

During the Lantern Festival，people will try to solve the puzzles on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao（glutinous rice ball）。

在元宵節期間，人們會試著猜燈謎，吃湯圓。

In the Sui Dynasty in the sixth century，Emperor Yangdi invited envoys from other countries to China to see the colorful lighted lanterns and enjoy the gala performances.

在六世紀的隋朝，當時的隋煬帝邀請他國的外交使節來中國欣賞彩燈，觀看節目。

By the beginning of the Tang Dynasty in the seventh century，the lantern displays would last three days. The emperor also lifted the curfew，allowing the people to enjoy the festive lanterns day and night.

在七世紀的'唐初，彩燈的展示會一直延續3天。當時的帝王還頒布了宵禁令，允許人們晝夜地慶祝節日。

In the Song Dynasty，the festival was celebrated for five days and the activities began to spread to many of the big cities in China.

到了宋代，人們會用5天的時間來慶祝元宵節，該節日也開始蔓延到許多中國的大城市。

Today，3the displaying of lanterns is still a big event on the 15th day of the first lunar month throughout China.

今天，正月15掛花燈在整個華夏大地仍就是一項很隆重盛大的活動。

The fillings inside the dumplings or Yuansiao are either sweet or salty. Sweet fillings are made of sugar，Walnuts，sesame，osmanthus flowers，rose petals，or jujube paste etc. A single ingredient or any combination can be used as the filling . The salty variety is filled with minced meat，vegetables etc.

湯圓的餡有甜，也有咸。甜餡可以由糖，胡桃，芝麻，桂花，玫瑰花瓣，或者棗泥做成。一個成分或者任意幾種成分的組合都可以用來做湯圓的餡。咸餡則可以由碎肉末，蔬菜等做成。